Corrosion behavior of reinforced no-fines concrete

The CO2 induced corrosion behavior of no-fines concrete manufactured with three different strength classes and reinforcements is compared. The main results showed that black steel corrodes with rates three times higher with respect to those monitored in the other reinforcements, with higher corrosion rates in lower strength class concretes. The corrosion rates of steel covered by cement grout and galvanized reinforcements are not affected by concrete strength class since they protect themselves with the cement grout coating or zinc passivation, respectively. Among the reinforcements considered in this work, galvanized steel shows the best corrosion behavior.

► In no-fines concrete, black steel shows the worst CO2 induced corrosion behavior.
► Corrosion rates of black steel are higher in lower strength class concretes.
► Corrosion of steel covered by cement grout is not affected by concrete strength.
► Corrosion of galvanized steel is not affected by concrete strength.
► Galvanized steel shows the best corrosion behavior.